US STOCKS-Futures dip as investors weigh tax cut delays, earnings

April 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were lower on Tuesday as investors weighed a possible delay in tax reforms, while keeping an eye on quarterly earnings and global politics.

* U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the Financial Times on Monday that the Trump administration’s timetable for tax reform was probably delayed following setbacks in negotiations with Congress over healthcare.

* Mnuchin’s statement added to concerns about President Donald Trump’s ability to deliver on his promises to cut taxes and simplify regulations - bets on which U.S. stocks have hit record highs since his election.

* A raft of quarterly earnings from corporate heavyweights is expected to keep investors busy. Bank of America shares rose 1.3 percent premarket after the company reported a strong jump in quarterly profit.

* Goldman Sachs, which is scheduled to report results before markets open, was up 0.3 percent.

* Safe-haven bets continued to be in favor as investors remained on the edge ahead of critical presidential elections in France and tensions between the United States and North Korea.

* In an unscheduled statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early election on June 8 to guarantee political stability as the country negotiates its way out of the European Union.

* Gold prices hovered close to five-month highs, while the dollar dipped.

* Wall Street had closed higher in very thin trading volumes on Monday as investors bought technology and bank stocks.